Invest South/West | Westgate

Project Description

The design includes a wide range of spaces and programs focused on wellness and community wealth building. Beginning at the east, the development includes a 9-story rental with sweeping views of the park and community. At the top of the building, amenities animate the “icons” including a social space, laundry, and fitness/wellness room. A plaza at the corner of Madison/Hamlin creates a lively gateway to the neighborhood, enhanced by a playful water feature (misters), restaurant and outdoor dining. Three additional retail spaces lead to five entrepreneurial workspaces, with a mid-block market plaza. Above, a roof deck and playspace connect the 9-story east building to the 4-story west building. This is a space where the two communities meet, socialize, and children safely play. A 14,000 SF grocery store and cafe stretches from midblock to Springfield. Loading is along Springfield and dedicated, secure parking is located at the rear.

Project Details

Date: 2025

Location: Chicago, IL

Area: 255,000 sf

Typology: Mixed Use

Client: East Lake

Client: TruDelta

Client: Citizens Building a Better Community

Client: Project Forward

Partners

Architecture Valerio Dewalt Train, Civil Engineer Engage Civil, Landscape Architecture site Design Group, Structural Engineer Rubinos & Mesia, MEPFP dbHMS, Contractor Burling Builders Inc., Community Outreach Mobile Makers, Art Consultant Studio Barnes

TOWARD A NEW BLACK ARCHITECTURE, OUR WORK ORIGINATES FROM ANCIENT PATTERNS + RHYTHMS ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT.

A PLACE TO PLAY, SOCIALIZE, AND LEARN ABOUT BLACK FUTURISM IN A PLAYFUL AND ARTFUL COMMUNITY GATEWAY

ICON'S REACH OUT TO THE CITY ILLUMINATING A RICH HERITAGE OF AFRICAN TEXTILE + PATTERNING

1 "A Community-Based Team"
From the bottom-up.
2 Site Context
Researching Neighborhood Needs + Opportunities
3 Aesthetic + Geometric Inspiration
Grids vs. Anti-Grid Patterns in African Heritage.
4 Staggered Massing Study
Defined Corner vs. Civic Plaza.
5 Stepped Massing Study
"Mountain Scheme" Mass steps up to a central plaza.
6 Screenwall Structure
Folded plate massing unifies the Madison Street façade.
7 Site Axon
Program allocations based on site conditions.
8 Exploded Axon
Grocer, Townhomes, Live/Work, Apartments, all, connected by shared amenities.
9 Elevations
West Hamlin, East Springfield, North Madison

Black Culture Wellness | Anchored by Community Retail, Grocery + Businesses

Anti-grid patterns, textures, and textiles are a rich part of African heritage & future.

“New narratives are boldly juxtaposed against old ones. The concept comes to life with an anti-grid architecture of liberation and optimism. The design creates a new gateway to the heart of a thriving black business Corridor.”

Westgate Partners